This series of “Thoughts for the Day” is inspired by the study series, NOTORIOUS, written by Jeff Lucas. He and Pastor Brent Cunningham discuss 9 different characters from the bible who we would possibly call rogues, scoundrels or scallywags. Each one however can teach us something of our faith.
HEROD “the GREAT”- sounds like a good man, he did great things – he built the temple at Jerusalem – the grounds of which were the area of 24 football pitches! He was a great soldier and a shrewd politician. However he had many huge flaws – paranoia and the desire for more and more adulation. He was terrified that his popularity would fall, so much so that he had both his son’s murdered. He even murdered his own wife so that no other man could have her…slightly twisted logic?!
When we think today of great men and women – who would you put in your top 10 and why?
Brent Cunningham in the study session on Herod, quotes the American philosopher Dallas Willard as saying a “good life, is what you put on your CV. A good person, is what people say about you at your funeral.” Greatness is not just about what you do, but also about your character.
Even today, society often defines greatness in terms of power, prominence and status.
Jesus turned this all upside down.
Again Brent Cunningham describes how when the disciples were all gathered together in that upper room and about to share that last meal together, everyone knew who the leader was, Jesus. Yet it was Jesus who wrapped a towel around himself, knelt on the floor and washed the feet of each of them , even the one who Jesus knew would betray him.
Several times Jesus taught that the first will be last, and the last will be first – at the wedding banquet. The one who is to lead is to serve.
Jesus teaches us that the person who is the servant is the most important.
If you go to a restaurant, you are going to leave hungry if there is no-one there to buy, to prepare and to serve the food.
A truly great leader is one who asks, “how can I help you?” “ how can I meet your needs?”
And unlike Herod whose “greatness” depended on him receiving more and more acclamation and resulted in him sinking into deeper and deeper paranoia, Jesus’ greatness does not depend on personal reward. A great servant does not depend on any reward – (although a tip is always gratefully received!)
How can we lead by serving today?
PRAYER: Servant Lord, show me how I can live like you, the one who leads by serving. Help me to recognise those who serve us today in so many different ways, and take a moment to simply and sincerely say thank you. AMEN